Corbyn backers’ car pools for activists in scramble to avoid historic
SUPPORTERS of Jeremy Corbyn are “urgently” transporting campaigners from across Britain to fight two crunch by-elections amid fears the party is on the brink of a historic defeat.
Momentum, the activist group founded from Mr Corbyn’s leadership campaign, is organising car pools to get as many people as possible knocking on doors before voting on Thursday. They are also urging supporters to “start calling from home or join London Labour’s phone-banks” to call voters in Copeland, Cumbria, and Stoke-onTrent Central.
Numerous Labour figures involved in the election campaigns have said the party is on the brink of losing Copeland, a seat it has held for 80 years.
“Copeland is probably gone. Jeremy’s leadership is repeatedly being criticised,” said one.
“It’s tight. It’s all about turnout [on the day]. The Tories are throwing the kitchen sink really hard.”
A moderate Labour MP added: “Corbyn is a terrible problem and victory will be despite him and 100 per cent due to local campaigns and government failures in public services.”
The party’s uncertain stance on Brexit – Labour backed staying in the EU at the referendum, while voters in both areas supported leaving – is also said to be a hindrance.
In an email sent to supporters, Momentum at it. We’re fighting it said: “It is urgent we mobilise to defeat the Tories and Ukip and show that only Labour can provide solutions to the problems faced by communities neglected at the hands of the Tories.”
Supporters are told to check an interactive map detailing cars heading out to see if they can catch lifts.
Briefing documents containing Labour’s controversial line of attack over the NHS have also been sent out to Momentum supporters in recent weeks.
Activists campaigning in Copeland are told to warn voters that the Tories are “risking the health of mothers and babies” by closing down a local maternity ward. “The Tories are stripping our NHS services and only a vote for a strong Labour voice in Copeland can fight it,” they are told to tell voters.
Theresa May travelled to Copeland last week in a sign that the Conservatives believe they can win the seat, while Ukip’s leader Paul Nuttall is seen as Labour’s biggest rival in Stoke.
The Tories have sent more than 100